WASHINGTON — The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) applauded a decision by the United Nations (UN) last week to reject a proposed on-farm target reduction of antimicrobials.

The association noted that the UN made a declaration for investment in antimicrobial resistance and stewardship programs that support veterinarians on farms.  

NPPC added that without an update, the UN could have implemented a 30% global on-farm microbial reduction along with certain antibiotics in animal agriculture. 

“Pork producers care about the health of their pigs, as healthy pigs ensure safe pork,” said Ashley Johnson, DVM, NPPC director of food policy. “Efforts to dictate on-farm production practices – especially those not rooted in science – are harmful in nature and undermine veterinarians’ ability to best care and treat animals.”

Information from the US Food and Drug Administration showed that domestic sales of all medically necessary antimicrobials intended for use in food-producing animals decreased by 33% between 2016 and 2017.

NPPC continues to support pork producers and veterinarians’ ability to maintain herd health through a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR). With the VCPR, NPPC stated that pork producers and veterinarians work together to customize a plan to protect both animal and human health, which may include using antimicrobials. 

“A mandated reduction in antimicrobial use would compromise veterinarians’ ability to provide the best possible care for pigs,” the association said.

Combined with the VCPR utilization, the pork industry continues participating in the multi-agency One Health collaboration.